We look at three dashing grooms who suited up and tied the knot with their blushing brides. If you are a groom-to-be, we hope this will inspire you as you wait for your wife-to-be to walk down the aisle.
Travis Strydom
- WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS?
Brahman Hills.
- HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU SAW YOUR BRIDE ALL DRESSED UP ON THE DAY?
I had the opposite reaction to what everyone thought I would have. Instead of tears, I felt excitement and joy that my life partner was walking towards me, looking gorgeous.
- WHAT WAS YOUR GRAND ENTRANCE LIKE?
For the ceremony: the lads and I strutted down the aisle, to the Peaky Blinders’ theme song, “Red Right Hand” to start the day off with sophistication.
For the reception: my wife and I threw a curve ball in the mix and entered the venue to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to set the tone for the evening… Good vibes.
- WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY?
Every moment of the day was special. From getting ready with the boys, tearing it up on the dance floor, taking photos with family and friends, listening to speeches from loved ones, and obviously marrying my wife at the altar. However, a key moment from the day that stuck the most with me was before the reception our wedding planner set aside 15 minutes in the Copper Bar, for Gabs and me to nibble on a cheese platter, and take time to relax and reflect on the day that had flown by.
- WHAT IS ONE THING EVERY GROOM SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING?
Often the bride does a lot of planning, however, I think it’s important to show interest and be mindful of all the time and effort that goes into selecting decor and planning the order of events. It’s also important to sit and write up your guest list and plan tables together, oh and don’t forget tasting the food! Enjoy the process, if there are hiccups, look at them as champagne problems!
Jonathan Gild
- WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS?
At The Groves Venue.
- HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU SAW YOUR BRIDE ALL DRESSED UP ON THE DAY?
The moment I saw her as I turned around my heart was filled with joy which could be seen from the tears rolling down my face. Time seemed to stand still as I saw her walking towards me!
- WHAT WAS YOUR GRAND ENTRANCE LIKE?
Our grand entrance was truly so much fun as during this time we took the opportunity to take a picture with each table of guests to ensure that we got pictures with everyone that attended our wedding.
- WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY?
One of my favourite parts of the day was definitely seeing my wife walk down the aisle, as she looked breathtaking! However, our first dance was also a highlight for me as it was such a special moment for us. We organised confetti cannons to shoot off during a lift in our dance which was the ultimate grand finale and something we will remember forever.
- WHAT IS ONE THING EVERY GROOM SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING?
Every groom should make sure they are involved in every part of the planning, however, I would say the main areas a groom should be involved in would be the DJ, bar, and making sure your bride is calm and collected! A side note would be to make sure when participating in decisions that you always agree with your wife-to-be or compromise in some way!
Ryan Meumann
- WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS?
Sweet Home Wedding Venue, Eston.
- HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU SAW YOUR BRIDE ALL DRESSED UP ON THE DAY?
Wow, I felt like the world froze around me. I felt so lucky and excited to start this new chapter of my life with my best friend. She looked so beautiful, I can’t even explain how it felt. Our eyes locked for the entire ceremony and it felt like it was just me and her.
- WHAT WAS YOUR GRAND ENTRANCE LIKE?
We decided to have our grand entrance to the song “Stumblin’ In” by Cyril and everyone waved their serviettes around and cheered as we walked in and to our seats.
- WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY?
My favourite part of the day was the ceremony. My wife and I had already done the legal part of getting married a couple of weeks before, but it only felt real when we said ‘I do’.
- WHAT IS ONE THING EVERY GROOM SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING?
As much as the bride loves to decorate and decide on colour schemes, I think it is important for the groom to also have a say. After all, it is both of your weddings and ultimately you want your wedding venue to reflect both your and your wife’s styles and preferences. I would also say the groom should play a part in the seating plan. We felt it was quite important to seat everyone next to their friends or at least someone they would get along with. The wedding planning was fun for me, however, every time I sat down with my wife she would ask me something wedding-related and this went on for the whole year. Take it all in, it’s such a special time for the both of you leading up to your biggest day yet.
For Travis Strydom: Veld Films
For Jonathan Gild: Wilma Towell Photography
For Ryan Meumann: Florence Photography